A U.S. court has ruled that an Irish family can remain in the
United States until their case against threatened deportation
is heard.

Malachy McAllister, his wife and three children have been
fighting deportation for years. His case has been taken up by
Irish-American groups who advocate for victims of the conflict
in Northern Ireland.

McAllister and his family fled Ireland in 1988 after armed
loyalists attacked their home. They moved to Canada before
settling in the United States in 1996. McAllister's
application for political asylum was denied because of his
role in the armed struggle against British rule. He had been
convicted by a British judge in a non-jury trial and served
time in jail.

Last December, McAllister and his 24-year-old son were spared
deportation at the 11th hour after his legal firm petitioned
the courts for a delay until the case is appealed.

U.S. Representative Steve Rothman who has lobbied to keep
McAllister and his family in the United States, said
yesterday's decision by the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals,
was a victory for the family.

``In granting a stay of removal, the court has sent a message
that it recognizes the McAllisters have legitimate concerns
over their personal safety should they be forced to return to
Northern Ireland,'' Rothman said.

McAllister's wife, Bernadette, and three of the couple's four
children have also been ordered deported and their request for
a stay was also granted.

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